We thoroughly examine lifting accessories and associated lifting equipment using recognised products from trusted industry manufacturers.
Lifting Equipment (Appliances) and lifting accessories are used daily in a variety of industries
They play a vital role in lifting, lowering and moving objects, products and materials around from one place to another.
Examples of Lifting Equipment and Accessories that require examination:
- Cranes (Mobile, Pedestrian Operated, Cantilever, Overhead, Tracked and Tower)
- Hoists and winches
- MEWPS
- Lift Trucks
- Excavators
- Material Lifts
- Slings
- Chains
- Tripods
- Beam trolleys and clamps
- Shackles and
- Lifting Beams
- Structure
- Vehicle Tail Lifts
- Any many more………….
LOLER Examinations: What you need to know
Differing terminology is used within industry and it can be confusing. LOLER testing, LOLER Checks, LOLER certificate and LOLER examination are all often used.
Lets break it down:
Pre use checks
Should be completed by the user, operator or slinger before each and every use. They must be adequately trained to carry out this check.
Thorough Examinations
The HSE’s guidance states “It is essential that the competent person carrying out any inspection is sufficiently independent and impartial to allow them to make objective decisions and has appropriate and genuine authority to quarantine defective equipment”.
Where the equipment or appliance is used under normal circumstances and operation to lift or lower people, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 Regulation 9 require a thorough examine at an interval not exceeding 6 months.
This is also the maximum interval for lifting accessories such as slings, chains, shackles, clamps, beams and eyes whereby they should be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months.
Lifting Equipment and appliances should be thoroughly examined at an interval not exceeding 12 months.
Lifting equipment and accessories may also be subjected to a written scheme of examination whereby they will be examined more frequently in accordance with such scheme or after an extenuating circumstance which would be liable to jeopardise the safety of the equipment.
Servicing and Maintenance
Servicing and maintenance is generally required at an interval set by the manufacturer. It must be generally completed in addition to the thorough examination by an authorised service agent and/or repairer. This is typically the norm for cranes, hoists and lifts however is applicable to other lifting equipment and appliances.
Our Lifting Accessories Examination Process
Under LOLER, lifting accessories must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals. Here’s how we deliver a compliant, no-fuss service:
1. On-Site Asset Identification
We review your lifting accessories – including slings, shackles, eyebolts, chains, and more – creating a detailed inspection register.
2. Visual & Functional Inspection
We examine for distortion, corrosion, wear, illegible markings, damaged stitching, or deformation, using BS EN standards as reference.
3. Load Tag Verification & ID Checks
Each item is checked for a valid ID tag, working load limit (WLL), serial number, and traceability.
4. Defect Reporting & Quarantine Advice
Defective items are clearly tagged, removed from service, and logged with photographic evidence and advice.
5. Certification & Reporting
A LOLER-compliant report is issued, detailing examination findings, actions taken, and the next due date for examination.
If we find defects, we’ll tag the item, quarantine it safely, and advise on how to stay compliant moving forward.
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd for your Lifting Equipment & Lifting Accessory Thorough Examinations
- Our engineers have been trained by awarding organisations such as NPORS and LEEA.
- Over 12 years experience in the health and safety industry.
- We carry out testing in accordance with LOLER, PUWER and the LEEA Code of Practice.
- Equipment is labelled to aid in visual compliance.
- Colour coding is available.
- Downloadable PDF reports of the testing inspections reports that meet the criteria outlined in LOLER Schedule 1
- A downloadable summary of all the examinations completed at a glance.
What Others Say About Us…
Construction sites, factories and depots say the same thing – we make LOLER compliance simple, reliable, and properly documented.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
Other Services Available
- Repairs and maintenance
- Supplier of lifting accessories from leading UK manufacturers such as Miller Weblift and Pewag
- Load testing
- Davit Arm Systems – Supplied, Installed, and Pull Tested to LOLER standards
- Development of Written Schemes of Examination
Frequently Asked Questions – Lifting Accessories Examinations
Make sure your lifting equipment is safe, certified, and legally covered.
Is this a legal requirement?
Yes. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require accessories to be examined at least every 6 months.
What counts as a lifting accessory?
Slings, shackles, eyebolts, hooks, chains, rope assemblies, lifting beams, and spreader bars – essentially any item used to attach the load to the lifting equipment.
What does a thorough examination involve?
We check for wear, damage, deformation, and compatibility. If required, we also verify markings, traceability, and safe working load limits.
Do you tag each item?
Yes – compliant tags or labels are applied if missing or illegible, and defective items are clearly marked as failed and quarantined.
Can you inspect accessories during routine operations?
Yes – as long as items are safely accessible. We can schedule inspections around your operations with minimal disruption.
How are defects reported?
You’ll receive a full examination report with photos, status flags (pass/fail), and action points. Failed items are logged with reasons.
What happens if something fails?
We’ll advise whether it can be repaired (e.g. re-tagged or tested) or needs immediate removal and replacement.
Do I need to keep the reports?
Yes. LOLER requires records to be kept. It’s also usually an insurance requirement.
Do you provide digital records?
Yes. We issue PDF reports for easy storage, sharing, and audit preparation.
Do you carry out lifting accessory inspections near me?
Absolutely. Our lifting gear inspections are available across the UK, with fast response times throughout the North West – including Burnley, Blackburn, Lancaster, Chorley and Warrington. From chains and slings to shackles and beam clamps, we test all lifting accessories in line with LOLER and PUWER. National support is available too – just let us know where you’re based.
Whatever your lifting equipment examination requirements, you can be sure your in honest, reliable and safe hands.
Contact Velocity Safety today 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
Arrange a LOLER-Compliant Lifting Gear Inspection
Protect your workforce and meet LOLER obligations. We carry out detailed inspections of slings, shackles, eyebolts and more – with traceable documentation and practical safety advice.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road,
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
